Method and system for multi-level browsing

ABSTRACT

A method and system for allowing an individual to quickly browse and select a particular software program application and file. Each of the software programs, applications and files is assigned a first icon as well as a unique directory address and is provided in a first group. A second group consists of a plurality of software programs, applications and files related to each other, each grouping assigned a second icon. When the first icons are displayed, one of the software programs, applications and files assigned to a particular first icon could be chosen. If none of these first icons are chosen, at least one level of the second icons is displayed. When one of these second icons is depressed, another grouping of first icons would be displayed. The individual can alternate the display of the first and second icons until a particular software program, application or file has been chosen.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to software enabled systems.More particularly, the invention relates to multi-level browsing forinteracting with a display of information, resulting in quick access toparticular software programs, applications or files.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the number of applications, files, videos, images and audios storedby electronic devices increases, the operation, interaction andnavigation of the devices via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) oftenpresents a daunting task for users. Conventional navigation andorganization of electronic devices often result in directory addressesof applications, files, videos, images and audios which may be difficultto quickly find, to execute and to interact with. As an example oforganization issues experienced by conventional devices, less accessedapplications may be conveniently provided via ready access, whereasapplications accessed more frequently may require a multiplicity ofcumbersome interactions for execution. Additionally conventionalmechanisms provided for searching for an application may require severalminutes for execution.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques formulti-level browsing for interacting with a display of information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A-F present GUI displays illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriatelyconfigured or designed, may serve as a computer system for which thepresent invention may be embodied;

FIGS. 3A-D present a flow chart illustrating a method for a multi-levelbrowsing system for software enabled systems, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4A-4H present additional GUI displays illustrating the multi-levelbrowsing system of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, a method and system for multi-level browsingis presented.

In one embodiment a method includes steps for organizing a plurality ofdirectory addresses for files stored on a medium such as, but notlimited to a non-transitory computer readable medium into a multi-levelorganization comprising groups of related software programs,applications or files as well as groups of favorite individual softwareprograms, applications and files, steps for alternately accessing anddisplaying selectable items corresponding to directory addresses andselectable items corresponding to links to the groups of relatedsoftware programs, applications or files, steps for recognizing aselection of a selectable item, steps for accessing and then activatingan application when the recognized selection corresponds to a directoryaddress, and steps for alternately accessing and displaying selectableitems corresponding to directory addresses and displaying selectableitems corresponding to links to groups for a next level, when therecognized selection corresponds to a link to a group maintained by thenext level.

Each of the individual software programs, applications and files areprovided with a particular icon, each of which represents each softwareprogram, application and file. Each group of related software programs,applications or files is provided with particular icons, each of whichrepresents a particular group of software programs and files. Theindividual software programs, applications and files are divided, into anumber of sets and the groups of related software programs, applicationsand files are also divided into a number of sets. The icons of a firstset of individual “favorite” software programs, applications and filesare provided on a first display. This first display is followed by asecond display containing the icons of a first set of groups of relatedsoftware programs, applications and files. The displays would thengenerally alternate between displaying additional sets of icons for theindividual software programs, applications and files and additional setsof icons for the groups of related software programs, applications andfiles. Additionally, as can be appreciated, the first display couldinclude a set of icons for the groups of related software programs,applications and files followed by a second display containing a set oficons for the individual software programs, applications and files.Additional displays will generally alternate as described hereinabove.

In another embodiment a method includes the steps of organizing aplurality of directory addresses for files stored on a medium, such as,but not limited to a non-transitory computer readable medium into amulti-level organization comprising groups of related software programs,applications or files, where a group comprises N number of directoryaddresses and each level of the multi-level organization is operable formaintaining a determined number of directory addresses and a determinednumber of links to groups, in which level one is operable formaintaining N number of directory addresses shown in a first display andN number of links to groups shown in a second display, and subsequentMth levels are operable for maintaining N^(Mth) number of directoryaddresses for groups linked in the (M-1)th level and N^(Mth) number oflinks to groups in subsequent displays. The method includes displayingselectable items corresponding to directory addresses maintained bylevel one, upon a first view selection by a user, and displayingselectable items corresponding to links to groups for level one, upon asecond view selection by the user. A selection of a selectable item isthen recognized by depressing a button or similar device on the display,designating a particular direction, address or link to a group ofaddresses. An application is activated when the recognized selectioncorresponds to a directory address. Selectable items corresponding toadditional directory addresses maintained by a next level are displayed,upon a first view selection by a user, and selectable itemscorresponding to links to groups for the next level are displayed, afterthe specific software programs, applications or files designated as afirst level of “favorite” software programs, applications or filesviewed by the user does not include the specific program, application orfile desired by the user, and a first level of links of groups tovarious software programs, applications or files are also not desired bythe user. At this point a second level of “favorite” software programs,applications or files are then displayed, followed by, if desired, asecond level of groups to various software programs, applications orfiles. The display of additional levels of “favorite” software programs,applications or files would generally alternate with additional levelsof links of groups to various software programs, applications or filesuntil the desired software program, application or file is found andactivated.

In another embodiment a system organizes a plurality of directoryaddresses, “favorite” software programs, applications or files stored ona medium, such as, but not limited to a non-transitory computer readablemedium into a multi-level organization comprising links of groups,alternately displays selectable items corresponding to directoryaddresses and selectable items corresponding to links to groups,recognizes a selection of a selectable item, activates an applicationwhen the recognized selection corresponds to a directory address,generally alternately displaying selectable items corresponding todirectory addresses and displays selectable items corresponding to linksto groups for a next level, when the recognized selection corresponds toa link to a group maintained by the next level.

In every embodiment, each of the displayed addresses for a particularsoftware program, application or file would be provided with its ownspecific icon. Similarly, each link of a particular group would also beprovided with its own specific icon. When a particular software program,application or file is picked by the user, that particular softwareprogram, application or file would then be activated. When one of thegroups of software programs, applications or files is picked, theparticular icons, relating to the software programs, applications orfiles in that particular group would be displayed. It is noted that allof the software programs, applications or files of a particular groupare related to each other. For example, all of the software programs,applications or files of one group could relate to office applications,another group could relate to internet applications and a third groupcould relate to games.

Furthermore, although the described embodiments illustrate a method andsystem in which the first screen would display icons for a first levelof directory addresses, with a second screen displaying icons for afirst level of groups, the first screen could display the icons for afirst level of groups and the second screen could display icons for afirst level of directory addresses. The display screens would thengenerally alternate between levels of groups and levels of “favorites”in the manner previously described.

Additionally, although the described embodiments explain a system andmethod with viewed screens would alternate between screens provided withicons associated with the directory addresses and screens provided withicons associated with the groups of links, this need not be the case.For example, if the first screen includes icons associated with thedirectory addresses, the next screen and additional screens, if desired,could also include icons associated with additional directory addresses.Similarly, if the first screen includes icons associated with groups oflinks, the next screen and additional screens, if desired, could alsoinclude icons associated with additional groups of links.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation of any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described whichprovides means and methods for providing multi-level browsing forinteracting with a display of information as provided by a softwareenabled system. Non-limiting examples of devices supported includemobile phones, smartphones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), tablets,wrist watches, MP3 audio players, DVD players, netbook computers andportable laptop computers. A multiplicity of levels may be supportedwith levels supporting selection of a multiplicity of favorites andgroups. Non-limiting examples of favorites include software programs,applications, contacts, files, music, video, pictures and images.

Favorites and groups may be organized based upon volume of usage. Morefrequently accessed favorites and groups may be provided for ease ofaccessibility via navigation. Furthermore, less frequently accessedfavorites and groups may be provided less accessibility via navigation.Furthermore, favorites may be organized and associated with groups.Levels may support a multiplicity of favorite and group buttons with thenumber of favorite and group buttons supported per level configurablebased upon the size of the display area. Favorite and group buttons maybe highlighted/emphasized and selected for transition to other levels offavorite and group selections. Non-limiting examples of features capableof highlight/emphasis and selection by favorite buttons includeapplications, display of images and/or video and playing audio.Furthermore, selection of configuring to display between favorites andgroups may be supported via a switch view button. Operation may returnto a previous level via a previous level button. Navigation may beexited via an exit navigation button. Navigation for selection offavorite and group buttons may be performed via up, down, left and rightnavigation buttons. A selection button may be provided for selectingfavorite and groups for devices not supporting touch-screencapabilities. A favorite or group button may be highlighted/emphasizedfor distinction from other favorite and group buttons for selectionpurposes.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and system willbe described which provides multi-level browsing for interacting with adisplay of information as provided by a software enabled system fordevices supporting navigation buttons via a touch-screen. Selection ofdisplay between favorites and groups may be supported via a switch viewbutton provided via a touch-screen mechanism. Operation may return to aprevious level via a previous level button provided via a touch-screenmechanism. Navigation for selection of favorite and group buttons may beperformed via up, down, left and right navigation buttons provided via atouch-screen mechanism. Highlight/emphasis of switch view button,previous level button and up, down, left and right navigation buttonsmay be provided.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and system willbe described for providing multi-level browsing for interacting with adisplay of information as provided by a software enabled system fordevices supporting navigation via verbal commands. Selection of displaybetween favorites and groups may be supported via a switch view buttonprovided via a verbal command. Operation may return to a previous levelvia a verbal command. Operation may be exited via a verbal command.Navigation for selection of favorite and group buttons may be performedvia up, down, left and right verbal commands.

FIG. 1A presents a GUI display 100 illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems and method thereof, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention, showing what wouldgenerally be the first screen displayed during the operation of thepresent invention.

The display 100 includes a screen display portion 102 and a borderportion 104.

Screen display portion 102 includes a multiplicity of favorite buttonswith a sampling denoted as a favorite button 106, a favorite button 107and a favorite button 108, a previous level button 110 and an exitnavigation button 112. The exact number and placement of the buttons onthe display 100 is not important. It is also noted that each of thefavorite buttons could be represented by an icon and could include awritten indication of the particular software program, application orfile associated with each button.

Screen display portion 102 may operate to provide capability forselecting from a multiplicity of favorite buttons for transitioning to adifferent level for displaying information related to a selected level,for selecting to transition to a previous level and for selecting toexit navigation. As can be appreciated, if the screen shown in FIG. 1Awas the first screen displayed, the previous level button 110 would beinoperable.

Buttons provided by screen display portion 102 may operate via any knownmeans for providing buttons. Non-limiting examples for providing buttonsfor screen display portion 102 include hardware, software, touch-screenand verbal.

For example, a user may select favorite button 106 to activate anapplication for a file associated with favorite button 106, illustratedas “L1F1”, for this example. With “L1F1” indicating level one and afavorite selection one of level one. As another example, a user mayselect favorite button 107, illustrated as “L1F2”. With “L1F2”indicating level one and a favorite selection two of level one. Althoughthe selection button 124 is shown to be provided between the fournavigation buttons, it can also be located at any position within theborder portion 104.

Border portion 104 includes an up navigation button 114, a leftnavigation button 116, a down navigation button 118, a right navigationbutton 120, a switch view button 122 and a selection button 124.Although the selection button 124 is shown to be provided between thefour navigation buttons, it can also be located at any position withinthe border portion 104.

Border portion 104 may operate to provide capability for navigatingscreen display portion 102, for switching between group selections andfavorite selections and for selecting to transition to a new level fordisplay.

Buttons provided by border portion 104 may operate via any known meansfor providing buttons. Non-limiting examples of buttons provided byborder portion 104 include hardware, software, touch-screen and verbal.

Up navigation button 114 may operate to enable a user to move thehighlight or emphasis of a button presented by screen display portion102 in the upward direction. For example, for highlight/emphasisprovided for favorite button 108, a user may select to transitionhighlight/emphasis to favorite button 106 by selecting up navigationbutton 114.

Left navigation button 116 may operate to enable a user to move thehighlight or emphasis of a button presented by screen display portion102 in the leftward direction. For example, for highlight/emphasisprovided for favorite button 107, a user may select to transitionhighlight/emphasis to favorite button 106 by selecting left navigationbutton 116.

Down navigation button 118 may operate to enable a user to move thehighlight or emphasis of a button presented by screen display portion102 in the downward direction. For example, for highlight/emphasisprovided for favorite button 106, a user may select to transitionhighlight/emphasis to favorite button 108 by selecting down navigationbutton 118.

Right navigation button 120 may operate to enable a user to move thehighlight or emphasis of a button presented by screen display portion102 in the rightward direction. For example, for highlight/emphasisprovided for favorite button 106, a user may select to transition thehighlight or emphasis to favorite button 107 by selecting rightnavigation button 120.

Switch view button 122 may operate to provide transition between adisplay of favorite buttons to a display of group buttons andvice-versa, or to the next designated grouping, favorite icons, or groupicons. Additional information will be provided below with respect toFIG. 1B for switch view button 122.

Selection button 124 may operate to provide selection capability forscreen display portion 102 when screen display portion 102 providesdisplay capability but does not provide touch-screen capability. Forexample, instead of a user selecting favorite button 107 “L1F2” asdenoted by favorite button 107, a user may navigate the highlight oremphasis to favorite button 107 using up navigation button 114, leftnavigation button 116, down navigation button 118 and/or rightnavigation button 120 and then select favorite button 107 by depressingselection button 124.

FIG. 1B presents a GUI display illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems and method thereof, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

Elements of FIG. 1B previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1A willnot be discussed with respect to FIG. 1B.

A screen display portion 126 includes a multiplicity of group buttonswith a sampling denoted as a group button 128, a group button 129 and agroup button 130, previous level button 110 and exit navigation button112. The exact number and placement of the buttons on the displayportion 126 is not important. It is noted that each of the group buttonscould be represented by an icon and could include a written indicationof a particular group of programs.

Screen display portion 126 may operate to provide capability forselecting from a multiplicity of group buttons for transitioning to adifferent level for displaying information related to a selected level,for selecting to transition to a previous level and for selecting toexit navigation.

Buttons provided by screen display portion 126 may operate via any knownmeans for providing buttons. Non-limiting examples for providing buttonsfor screen display portion 126 include hardware, software, touch-screenand verbal.

For example, a user may select group button 128 to transition to thegroup as denoted by group button 128, illustrated as “L1G1”, for thisexample. With “L1G1” indicating level one and a group selection one oflevel one. As another example, a user may select group button 129,illustrated as “L1G2”, for this example. With “L1G2” indicating levelone and a group selection two of level one. Furthermore, once a user hastransitioned to another level by selecting a group button (e.g. groupbutton 128, group button 129 and group button 130), the user may opt toreturn to the previous level by selecting previous level button 110. Forexample, once a user has transitioned to “L1G1” by selecting groupbutton 128, the user may return to the display as illustrated by FIG. 1Bby selecting previous level button 110.

Switch view button 122 may operate to provide transition between adisplay of favorite buttons to a display of group buttons and vice-versaor to the next designated grouping of group icons or favorite icons. Forexample, for a presentation as illustrated by FIG. 1B, a user may selectswitch view button 122 and be presented with a display of favoritebuttons as illustrated by FIG. 1A. Furthermore, for a presentation offavorite buttons as illustrated by FIG. 1A, a user may select switchview button 122 and be presented with a display of group buttons asillustrated by FIG. 1B.

The nomenclature as illustrated by FIGS. 1A-B may be described as Lnwhere n may represent the nth level of a multi-level browsing system, Fnwhere n may represent the nth favorite, Gn where n may represent the nthgroup, LxFy where x may represent the xth level and y may represent theyth favorite, LxGy where x may represent the xth level and y mayrepresent the yth group.

FIG. 1C presents a GUI display illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. This figure represents the second level offavorite software programs, applications or files.

Elements of FIG. 1C previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1A willnot be discussed with respect to FIG. 1C. For example, each of thebuttons shown represent specific favorite software programs,applications or files.

A screen display portion 132 includes a multiplicity of favorite buttonswith a sampling denoted as a favorite button 134 and a favorite button136, previous level button 110 and exit navigation button 112.

As an example of navigating the multi-level browsing system, the displayas illustrated in FIG. 1C may be presented to a user by selection ofgroup button 128 (FIG. 1B), denoted as “L1G1” for touch-screen devicesor navigating to emphasize group button 128 followed by selection ofselect button 124 for non touch-screen devices.

FIG. 1D presents a GUI display illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Elements of FIG. 1D previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1A willnot be discussed with respect to FIG. 1D.

A screen display portion 138 includes a multiplicity of group buttonswith a sampling denoted as a group button 140 and a group button 142,previous level button 110 and exit navigation button 112.

As an example of navigating the multi-level browsing system, the displayas illustrated in FIG. 1D may be presented to a user by selection ofswitch view button 122 in FIG. 1B.

The nomenclature as illustrated by FIGS. 1C-F may be described as Lnwhere n may represent the nth level of a multi-level browsing system, Fnwhere n may represent the nth favorite, SGn where n may represent thenth sub-group, LxFy where x may represent the xth level and y mayrepresent the yth favorite, LxSGy where x may represent the xth leveland y may represent the yth sub-group.

FIG. 1E presents a GUI display illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Elements of FIG. 1E previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1A willnot be discussed with respect to FIG. 1E. This figure represents thesecond level of favorites for a second group.

A screen display portion 144 includes a multiplicity of favorite buttonswith a sampling denoted as a favorite button 146 and a favorite button148, previous level button 110 and exit navigation button 112.

As an example of navigating the multi-level browsing system, the displayas illustrated in FIG. 1E may be presented to a user by selection ofgroup button 129 (FIG. 1B), denoted as “L1G2”, followed by selection ofselect button 124 for presenting favorite buttons.

FIG. 1F presents a GUI display illustrating a multi-level browsingsystem for software enabled systems, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Elements of FIG. 1F previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1A willnot be discussed with respect to FIG. 1F. This figure represents thethird level of a second group.

A screen display portion 150 includes a multiplicity of group buttonswith a sampling denoted as a group button 152 and a group button 154,previous level button 110 and exit navigation button 112.

As an example of navigating the multi-level browsing system, the displayas illustrated in FIG. 1F may be presented to a user by selection ofgroup button 129 (FIG. 1B), denoted as “L1G2”, followed by selection ofswitch view button 122 for presenting group buttons.

FIGS. 1A-1F present an illustration of a multi-level browsing system andnavigation of the multi-level browsing system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriatelyconfigured or designed, may serve as a computer system 200 for which thepresent invention may be embodied.

Computer system 200 includes a quantity of processors 202 (also referredto as central processing units, or CPUs) that may be coupled to storagedevices including a primary storage 206 (typically a random accessmemory, or RAM), a primary storage 204 (typically a read only memory, orROM). CPU 202 may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g.,with embedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices(e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capableof being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors. As is wellknown in the art, primary storage 204 acts to transfer data andinstructions uni-directionally to the CPU and primary storage 206typically may be used to transfer data and instructions in abi-directional manner. The primary storage devices discussed previouslymay include any suitable computer-readable media such as those describedabove. A mass storage device 208 may also be coupled bi-directionally toCPU 202 and provides additional data storage capacity and may includeany of the computer-readable media described above. Mass storage device208 may be used to store programs, data and the like and typically maybe used as a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will beappreciated that the information retained within mass storage device208, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion aspart of primary storage 206 as virtual memory. A specific mass storagedevice such as a CD-ROM 214 may also pass data uni-directionally to theCPU.

CPU 202 may also be coupled to an interface 210 that connects to one ormore input/output devices such as such as video monitors, track balls,mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer cardreaders, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice orhandwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, ofcourse, other computers. Finally, CPU 202 optionally may be coupled toan external device such as a database or a computer ortelecommunications or internet network using an external connectionshown generally as a network 212, which may be implemented as ahardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventionaltechnologies. With such a connection, the CPU might receive informationfrom the network, or might output information to the network in thecourse of performing the method steps described in the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-D present a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for amulti-level browsing system for software enabled systems, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

Method 300 may initiate in a step 302 (FIG. 3A). In a step 304, it maybe determined whether navigation may be entered. For a determination instep 304 of not entering navigation, execution of method 300 returns tostep 304. For a determination in step 304 of entering navigation, in astep 306, level one favorites, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, may bedisplayed via interface 210 (FIG. 2) (e.g. video monitor) with favoritebutton 106 (FIG. 1A) highlighted/emphasized. Generally, any time a newdisplay is provided, the top left icon, such as button 106 in FIG. 4Awill be highlighted. However, as can be appreciated, this need not bethe case, and any one of the icons can initially be highlighted.

In a step 308, it may be determined whether a selection for rightnavigation button 120 (FIG. 1A) has been executed via interface 210(FIG. 2) (e.g. touch-sensitive display, button or microphone for verbalcommand). For a determination in step 308 of a selection for rightnavigation button 120 (FIG. 1A), in a step 310, the currentlyhighlighted/emphasized button may be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and thebutton located to the right of the current button may behighlighted/emphasized. For example, for a current buttonhighlighted/emphasized as favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing favorite button 107(FIG. 1A).

For a determination in step 308 of not selecting right navigation button120 (FIG. 1A), in a step 312 it may be determined whether a selectionfor left navigation button 116 (FIG. 1A) has been executed. For adetermination in step 312 of a selection for left navigation button 116(FIG. 1A), in a step 314, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located to the left ofthe current button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for acurrent button highlighted/emphasized as favorite button 107 (FIG. 1A),an unhighlight/de-emphasis of favorite button 107 (FIG. 1A) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing favorite button 106(FIG. 1A).

For a determination in step 312 of not selecting left navigation button116 (FIG. 1A), in a step 316 it may be determined whether a selectionfor down navigation button 118 (FIG. 1A) has been executed. For adetermination in step 316 of a selection for down navigation button 118(FIG. 1A), in a step 318, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located below thecurrent button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for a currentbutton highlighted/emphasized as favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing favorite button 108(FIG. 1A).

For a determination in step 316 of not selecting down navigation button118 (FIG. 1A), in a step 320 (FIG. 3B) it may be determined whether aselection for up navigation button 114 (FIG. 1A) has been executed. Fora determination in step 320 of a selection for up navigation button 114(FIG. 1A), in a step 322, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located above thecurrent button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for a currentbutton highlighted/emphasized as favorite button 108 (FIG. 1A), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of favorite button 108 (FIG. 1A) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing favorite button 106(FIG. 1A).

For a determination in step 320 of not selecting up navigation button114 (FIG. 1A), in a step 324 it may be determined whether a selectionfor switch view button 122 (FIG. 1A) has been executed. For adetermination in step 324 of not selecting switch view button 122 (FIG.1A), in a step 326 it may be determined whether selection button 124(FIG. 1A) or a favorite button (e.g. favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A)) hasbeen selected. For a determination in step 326 of selecting selectionbutton 124 (FIG. 1A) or selecting a favorite button (e.g. favoritebutton 106 (FIG. 1A)), selected favorite may be displayed in a step 328.For example, a selection of favorite button 106 (FIG. 1A) or a selectionof selection button 124 (FIG. 1A) while emphasizing favorite button 106(FIG. 1A) may result in the display of information as illustrated inFIG. 1C. Furthermore, selection of a favorite button in step 328 mayoperate to initiate operation of an application. Non-limiting examplesof applications which may be initiated include display of an imageand/or video or play audio.

For a determination in step 326 of not selecting selection button 124(FIG. 1A) and not selecting a favorite button, in a step 330 it may bedetermined whether previous level button 110 has been executed. For adetermination in step 330 of selection of previous level button 110, ina step 332 the previous favorite level may be displayed. For example,for a display of information as illustrated in FIG. 1C and with aprevious level as illustrated in FIG. 1A, a selection of previous levelbutton 110 would result in the display of information as illustrated inFIG. 1A. It is important to note that depressing the previous levelbutton 110 would operate to display a previous level of the same type ofdisplay. In other words, if a particular display includes the favoriteicons, depressing the button 110 would show a previous level offavorites. Similarly, if display 100 was displaying a plurality of groupicons, depressing button 110 would display the previous level of groupicons. This way, depressing button 110 in FIG. 1C would produce thedisplay in FIG. 1A and not the display in FIG.

1B.

For a determination in step 330 of not selecting previous level button110, in a step 334 it may be determined whether exit navigation button112 has been selected. For a determination of selection of exitnavigation button 112, execution of method 300 transitions to step 304(FIG. 3A). For a determination in step 334 of not selecting exitnavigation button 112 and following display of previous favorite levelin step 332, execution of method 300 transitions to step 308 (FIG. 3A).

For a determination in step 324 (FIG. 3B) of selecting switch viewbutton 122, in a step 336 (FIG. 3C) group buttons for the respectivelevel may be displayed. For example, for a display of information aspresented in FIG. 1A, a selection of switch view button 122 may resultin the display of information as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

In a step 338, it may be determined whether a selection for rightnavigation button 120 (FIG. 1B) has been executed. For a determinationin step 338 of a selection for right navigation button 120 (FIG. 1B), ina step 340, the currently highlighted/emphasized button may beunhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located to the right of thecurrent button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for a currentbutton highlighted/emphasized as group button 128 (FIG. 1B), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of group button 128 (FIG. 1B) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing group button 129 (FIG.1B).

For a determination in step 338 of not selecting right navigation button120 (FIG. 1B), in a step 342 it may be determined whether a selectionfor left navigation button 116 (FIG. 1B) has been executed. For adetermination in step 342 of a selection for left navigation button 116(FIG. 1B), in a step 344, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located to the left ofthe current button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for acurrent button highlighted/emphasized as group button 129 (FIG. 1B), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of group button 129 (FIG. 1B) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing group button 128 (FIG.1B).

For a determination in step 342 of not selecting left navigation button116 (FIG. 1B), in a step 346 it may be determined whether a selectionfor down navigation button 118 (FIG. 1B) has been executed. For adetermination in step 346 of a selection for down navigation button 118(FIG. 1B), in a step 348, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located below thecurrent button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for a currentbutton highlighted/emphasized as group button 128 (FIG. 1B), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of group button 128 (FIG. 1B) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing group button 130 (FIG.1B).

For a determination in step 346 of not selecting down navigation button118 (FIG. 1B), in a step 350 (FIG. 3D) it may be determined whether aselection for up navigation button 114 (FIG. 1B) has been executed. Fora determination in step 350 of a selection for up navigation button 114(FIG. 1B), in a step 352, the currently highlighted/emphasized buttonmay be unhighlighted/de-emphasized and the button located above thecurrent button may be highlighted/emphasized. For example, for a currentbutton highlighted/emphasized as group button 130 (FIG. 1B), anunhighlight/de-emphasis of group button 130 (FIG. 1B) would beperformed, followed by performance of emphasizing group button 128 (FIG.1B).

For a determination in step 350 of not selecting up navigation button114 (FIG. 1B), in a step 354 it may be determined whether a selectionfor switch view button 122 (FIG. 1B) has been executed. For adetermination in step 354 of not selecting switch view button 122 (FIG.1B), in a step 356 it may be determined whether selection button 124(FIG. 1B) or a group button (e.g. group button 128 (FIG. 1B)) has beenexecuted. For a determination in step 356 of selecting selection button124 (FIG. 1B) or selecting a group button (e.g. group button 128 (FIG.1B)), selected group may be displayed in a step 358. For example, aselection of group button 128 (FIG. 1B) or a selection of selectionbutton 124 (FIG. 1B) while emphasizing group button 128 (FIG. 1B) wouldresult in the display of information as illustrated in FIG. 1D.

For a determination in step 356 of not selecting selection button 124(FIG. 1B) and not selecting a group button, in a step 360 it may bedetermined whether previous level button 110 has been selected. For adetermination in step 360 of selection of previous level button 110, ina step 362 the previous group level may be displayed. For example, for adisplay of information as illustrated in FIG. 1D and with a previouslevel as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a selection of previous level button110 would result in the display of information as illustrated in FIG.1B. As previously explained, selecting the previous level button wouldallow the display to show icons of the same kind. Therefore, depressingthe button 110 in FIG. 1D would then display the icons shown in FIG. 1B,since both of these figures display group icons.

For a determination in step 360 of not selecting previous level button110, in a step 364 it may be determined whether exit navigation button112 has been selected. For a determination of selection of exitnavigation button 112, execution of method 300 transitions to step 304(FIG. 3A). For a determination in step 364 of not selecting exitnavigation button 112 and also following display of previous group levelin step 362, execution of method 300 transitions to step 338 (FIG. 3C).

For a determination in step 354 (FIG. 3D) of selecting switch viewbutton 122, in a step 355 level buttons for the respective level may bedisplayed. For example, for a display of information as presented inFIG. 1B, a selection of switch view button 122 may result in the displayof information as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate typical displays shown in more detail than thosewith respect to FIGS. 1A-1F.

As previously indicated, each of the “favorite” software programs,applications or files would be assigned a particular icon. For example,the display 400 shown in FIG. 4A includes three “favorite” icons 402associated with various software programs, applications or files such asWord or Internet Explorer. These files would be immediately initiated bythe user either depressing the particular icon if the display includes atouch screen, or the selection button 124 after the utilization of thenavigation buttons 114, 116, 118, and 120 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. Ifthe Level 1 shortcut icons shown in FIG. 4A do not include theappropriate software program, application or file, the user woulddepress button 404 allowing display 406 to be displayed as shown in FIG.4B. This display includes a plurality of icons 408, 410, 412, each ofthe icons designating a specific grouping of related software programs,applications or files. For example, icon 408 is directed to officeapplications, icon 410 is directed to internet applications and icon 412is directed to games. If after the user reviews the icons shown indisplay 406, by depressing button 414, the user can return to the Level1 shortcut icon display as shown in FIG. 4A. It is important to notethat buttons 404 and 414 would allow an individual to navigate betweenfavorite icons and group icons on the same level.

By depressing icon 408 relating to office applications, a plurality oficons 418 relating to various office applications will be shown ondisplay 416 shown in FIG. 4C. The user would then have the ability ofactivating any of the office applications shown on display 416 bydepressing the appropriate icon button or utilizing the navigationbuttons shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. Knowledge of the appropriate directoryaddress of that program by the computer, would allow this program to bedisplayed. The user can return to the previous level shown in FIG. 4B bydepressing icon 420. Alternatively, the user can, by depressing button422, display additional subgroup links on display 424 such as shown byicons 426, 428, 430 and 434 of FIG. 4D. Depressing any of the icons 426,428, 430 and 434 would generate another display (not shown) includinganother series of icons relating to the particular group that wasdepressed. Depressing button 436 in FIG. 4D would return the screen todisplay 416 in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4E shows the icons 442 of display 440 that would be displayed basedupon icon 410 in FIG. 4B being depressed. This display also includes abutton 444 to return to the level shown in display 406, or to illustrateadditional links by depressing button 446. These additional links areshown in display 448 of FIG. 4F. This figure includes a plurality oficons 450 as well as a button 452 which, when depressed, would allow theuser to return to the display shown in FIG. 4E. It is noted that theicons 450 all relate to various online software programs, applicationsor files.

FIG. 4G shows the icons that would be displayed when icon 412 of display406 is depressed. These icons will be displayed on display 454 and,similar to a number of the previous displays, button 458, when depressedwould allow the user to return to the previous level. Buttons 460 inFIG. 4G and 466 in FIG. 4H, when depressed, would allow the user toreturn to the alternate display. As shown in FIG. 4H, icons 464 relateto various types of games.

Although not specifically illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H, each respectivedisplay could include various navigation buttons, allowing theparticular icons shown in a display to be highlighted. When this occurs,a separate selection button would be depressed to allow a selectedsoftware program, application or file to be displayed or, alternatively,to allow another display of group linked icons.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in accordance with theteachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing stepsand/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed andadditional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending uponthe needs of the particular application, and that the systems of theforegoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety ofsuitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to anyparticular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcodeand the like. For any method steps described in the present applicationthat can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computersystem can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as acomputer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of providing multi-levelbrowsing for interacting with a display of information according to thepresent invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Theinvention has been described above by way of illustration, and thespecific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the inventionto the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particularimplementation of the organization of screen display portion 102 (FIG.1A) and border portion 104 (FIG. 1A) may vary depending upon theparticular type GUI device used. The information presented via GUIsdescribed in the foregoing was directed to mobile deviceimplementations; however, similar techniques may be directed tostationary devices. Implementations of the present invention arecontemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The inventionis thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

1. A method for multi-level browsing, comprising the steps of:organizing a plurality of software programs, applications and filesstored on a medium into a first group and a second group, each member ofsaid first group being an individual software program, application orfile, each of said members of said first group assigned a uniquedirectory address and a first icon, each of said members of said secondgroup representing a plurality of software programs related to oneanother, applications related to one another or files related to oneanother, each of said software programs, applications and files of saidsecond group having a unique directory address, each of said members ofsaid second group assigned a second icon; displaying a first set of saidfirst icons of said first group as a first distinct display on a displayscreen; reviewing said first set of icons; subsequently displaying afirst set of said second icons of said second group as a second distinctdisplay on said display screen when none of said first icons wasselected; and selecting one of said first or second icons; wherein whenone of said first set of said first icons is selected, the softwareprogram, application or file associated with said directory address ofthe selected icon would be activated, and further wherein one of saidfirst set of second icons is selected, a second set of said first iconsrepresenting the related software programs, applications or files ofsaid selected second icon would be displayed on said display screen. 2.The method in accordance with claim 1, including the steps of continuingto display additional sets of said first icons on displays on saiddisplay screen distinct from the displays of said second icons on saiddisplay screen.
 3. The method in accordance with claim 2, including thesteps of alternating the display of said additional sets of said firsticons as distinct displays with respect to the distinct displays of saidadditional sets of said second icons.
 4. The method in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said selecting step is accomplished by touching saidone of said first or second icons.
 5. The method in accordance withclaim 1, including the step of highlighting one of said first or secondicons.
 6. The method in accordance with claim 5, including the step ofutilizing one or more navigation buttons associated with said displayscreen to individually highlight said first and second icons.
 7. Themethod in accordance with claim 6, including the step of touching aseparate selection button to select a highlighted first or second icon.8. The method in accordance with claim 1, including the step ofutilizing a view selection button to allow the user to select a displayincluding a portion of said first icons or a portion of said secondicons.
 9. The method in accordance with claim 1, including the step ofdepressing an exit button.
 10. A system for multi-level browsing througha plurality of software programs, applications or files comprising: afirst means for organizing a plurality of software programs,applications and files stored on a medium into a first group and asecond group, each member of said first group being an individualsoftware program, application or file having a unique directory addressand a first icon, each member of said second group encompassing aplurality of related software programs, applications or files, eachmember of said group assigned a second icon, each of said softwareprograms, applications and files in said second group having a uniquedirectory address; a second means for displaying a first set of saidfirst icons of said first group as a first distinct display on a displayscreen and displaying a first set of said second icons of said secondgroup as a second distinct display on said display screen; and a thirdmeans for selecting one of said first or second icons; wherein when oneof said first set of first icons is selected, the software program,application or file associated with said directory address would beactivated, and when one of said first set of said second icons isselected, a second set of first icons representing the related softwareprograms, applications or files associated with the selected second iconwould be displayed on said display screen.
 11. The system in accordancewith claim 10, wherein said second means displays additional sets ofsaid first icons as displays on said display screen distinct from thedisplays of said second icons on said display screen.
 12. The system inaccordance with claim 11, wherein said second means alternates thedisplay of said additional sets of said first icons as distinct displayswith respect to the distinct displays of said additional sets of saidsecond icons.
 13. The system in accordance with claim 10, wherein saidthird means is a touch screen display, wherein touching one of saidfirst icons would activate a software program, application or fileassociated with said first icon, and touching one of said second iconswould display a second set of said first icons.
 14. The system inaccordance with claim 13, wherein said third means highlights said firstand second icons.
 15. The system in accordance with claim 10, whereinsaid third means includes one or more navigation buttons to highlightsaid first and second icons.
 16. The system in accordance with claim 15,wherein said third means includes a selection button to select ahighlighted first or second icon.
 17. The system in accordance withclaim 10, wherein said third means includes a view selection button forallowing a user to select a display including a portion of said firsticons or a portion of said second icons to be displayed on said displayscreen.
 18. The system in accordance with claim 10, further including anexit button.